Some current trends in renewable energy for developing countries

The paper reviews recent trends in renewable energy in developing countries including trends in funding, as well as in approaches and in technologies. Since the downturn in oil prices in the mid 1980's environmental concerns, especially fears of global warming, have replaced oil scarcity as a driving force in support of renewable energy. Decentralized solar photovoltaics (PV), grid-connected windpower, biomass waste-to-energy conversion, and geothermal power appear to have the greatest near-term promise. Issues of human capacity building, access to credit, as well as the active involvement of the commercial sector are basic to progress in these areas.